Activate STEM Academy earns Cognia accreditation and STEM certification, district officials say

The Danville School Board on April 10 recognized Activate STEM Academy’s receipt of Cognia accreditation and STEM certification, a multiyear process district staff said affirms the school’s STEM instructional practices.

The accreditation presentation was led by a district staff member who described Cognia as “a globally recognized mission driven nonprofit organization” and explained the accreditation is “a rigorous and multiyear cycle involving reflection, evidence gathering, and external peer review.” The presenter said Activate had received both Cognia accreditation and STEM certification.

Activate’s leader, Mr. Simmons, thanked the board for support and credited central office staff, teachers and community partners. “Activate is not just a school. It's an idea born from the belief that our students could become engineers, designers, scientists, and leaders,” he said. He described the accreditation process as nearly two years of work and thanked several staff by name for their roles in preparing materials and aligning practices.

District staff noted the accreditation evaluates how deeply STEM principles are embedded in school culture and instruction, beyond simply offering STEM courses. The presenter said the recognition affirms Activate’s “commitment to high quality instruction, innovation, and student centered learning,” and that banners and certificates will be provided to the school.

Board members applauded the achievement and the staff who supported the accreditation effort. District leaders said the accreditation work included evidence collection, external review and adjustments to practice, and that the recognition marks a milestone rather than an end to ongoing improvement efforts.

No formal board action was required beyond the recognition and presentation of certificates.